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Tick Tock

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Tick Tock is the fifth episode of season three and the twenty-first episode overall of Bridgerton.

Synopsis[]

Lady Whistledown's surprising engagement announcement reverberates through the Ton while Penelope grapples with the need to disclose her true identity.

Full Summary[]

Penelope sits at her desk and writes.

Penelope looks up at Bridgerton house. Colin turns back toward her and offers her his hand, which she takes. They walk toward the house together.

Colin announces the engagement to his family. Francesca and Hyacinth are delighted and hug Penelope. Hyacinth says they've known Penelope all these years and now they'll be sisters. Violet is also pleased and hugs her. Gregory is upset that Colin is getting married before Gregory can go to a tavern with him. Everyone notices as Penelope and Eloise look at each other. Eloise excuses herself and leaves the room. Colin moves to go after her, but Penelope stops him and says to let her go.

Penelope stops Eloise in the hallway. Eloise asks Penelope how long this has been going on. Penelope says it's new and she's just as surprised as Eloise is. Eloise asks how long Penelope has had feelings for Colin, but then says she doesn't want to know. She says Penelope can't marry Colin. She asks if Colin knows Penelope is Lady Whistledown. Penelope says he doesn't and begs Eloise not to tell him. Eloise says Colin isn't like Lord Debling. He won't be gone for years at a time, so he will find out. And until he knows the real her, he can't truly love her. Penelope says Eloise is right, but wants Colin to hear it from her. She needs time to find the right moment, but promises she'll tell him. Eloise leaves and Colin asks Penelope what happened. Penelope says Eloise is upset, but Colin says everything will be fine. He's sure of that.

Penelope writes in Whistledown about her engagement.

The newest issue is distributed.

Tilley and Benedict finish having sex and Tilley gets up and grabs the newest Whistledown. Benedict is surprised that she likes it. Tilley appreciates that she speaks her mind and suggests Benedict read this one. She hands it to him and he reads the news of Colin's engagement.

Harry reads Whistledown aloud to Portia, Albion, Prudence, and Philippa. Portia questions if he must read aloud and then Albion takes over. Penelope secretly listens from the hallway as he reads the news of the engagement.

Marcus tells Lady Danbury about Colin and Penelope's engagement and asks if she had a hand in it. She didn't, but she's pleased by the news. Marcus says the city isn't pretty, but it's entertaining. Lady Danbury says you don't need fresh air when there is fresh gossip. She sees something in the pamphlet that gives her pause.

Queen Charlotte paces and rants about Francesca declining Lord Samadani's lemonade. She thinks about how Lady Whistledown will describe it. Brimsley announces that it has arrived. She has him read it to her. He reads about Francesca's interest moving to John Stirling, which Lady Whistledown declares a fine match. Queen Charlotte is pleasantly surprised that that's all and smiles.

Anthony and Kate approach Bridgerton house. Kate sees Anthony looking at her and says she hopes he's thinking pure thoughts because they're returning to their family home. He's enjoying the view of his wife and the mother of his child. She rubs her belly as he says he's eager to tell the family.

Kate and Anthony are welcomed by the family. Benedict comes in as they're hugging and Anthony asks where he was. Benedict lies and says he was out for a morning stroll and then asks Colin about what he read in Whistledown. Hyacinth announces that Colin is engaged to Penelope, which Anthony and Kate didn't know. Anthony is shocked and says the brothers have a lot to catch up on. Anthony, Benedict, and Colin walk away and Gregory reminds them that he's a brother, too. Hyacinth says she thinks of him more as the family pet.

Eloise rants to Cressida, saying that Penelope used her to get to her brother. She actually met Colin first, so now Eloise thinks their friendship was always just a ruse to get to Colin. Cressida says it's good their friendship is over then. Cressida has news of her own. Her parents are arranging a marriage for her from Lord Greer. Eloise asks if he's not on death's doorstep. Cressida says unfortunately not. He is quite old, but he's assured Lord Cowper that he's the picture of health. Eloise says she wouldn't have carried on as she did if she knew about Cressida's situation. Cressida is trying to look for the bright side and says they could use Lord Greer's money to shop and queen over society like Lady Danbury. Eloise says that sounds like quite a life.

Anthony hands out drinks and then asks Colin to explain. Anthony finds it quite sudden. Colin says his last engagement was sudden, so he understands Anthony thinking he's foolish, but he's known Penelope for a very long time and perhaps has always felt something for her. His only foolishness was not realizing sooner. Anthony asks if Colin has told Penelope that. Colin says the betrothal happened swiftly and, realizing what Colin is implying, Benedict asks if Anthony is going to duel him. Anthony says Colin seems to be marrying Penelope for the right reasons. He insists that Colin tell Penelope that, though, so Colin leaves to do that after toasting with his brothers.

Penelope finds Portia staring out a window. Portia holds up the latest Whistledown, upset that that's how she heard about her daughter's engagement. Penelope says she didn't feel like announcing the happy news to her. Portia doesn't find the news happy. Lord Debling was a reasonable match, a secure match. She's thrown that away to play out a fantasy. Penelope doesn't think it's unreasonable. Colin cares for her. Portia asks if Colin has told her he loves her and Penelope admits he hasn't said exactly that. Portia reminds Penelope of the Bridgertons treating them horribly after the scandal with Marina. She thinks Penelope has entrapped Colin. Just then, Colin walks in, hastily followed by Mrs. Varley. He says he won't stay long, but since they're speaking their minds, he informs her that Penelope didn't entrap him and he proposed to her solely out of love. If she weren't so concerned with her own standing, she'd see that Penelope is the most eligible among them. He advises her not to sully the Bridgerton name by suggesting otherwise.

Colin leads Penelope into a room. The property has been in the family for a very long time and it'll be their home after they're married. It doesn't look like much now, but after it's decorated. Colin looks at Penelope's face and wonders if she's worried about being there alone with him. There aren't any staff yet, but he thought it was okay since they're getting married anyway. Penelope tells Colin how much it meant to have him stand up to her mother for her. No one ever has before. He says he will always stand up for her because he loves her. She asks if he's sure and he says he is. Everything he said to her mother is true and she should see that as well. He stands behind her and positions them in front of a mirror. He tells her she's the cleverest and bravest woman he knows. She makes him feel seen like never before. He removes the pins from her hair and compliments the way it cascades down her shoulder and how her eyes shine. He admires her body and tells her he's dreamed about the parts he hasn't seen as he covers her breast with his hand. She turns around and kisses him. He says she must stop him if she doesn't want this. She tells him she does want it and they continue kissing. He moves her back in front of the mirror as he unbuttons her dress, letting it pool beneath her. Then he unlaces her undergarment and she lets it fall as well. She covers her bare breasts with her hands and Colin tells her to lie down. Colin undresses himself as Penelope watches. Once he's nude, he joins her on the couch, telling her she's beautiful. She asks him to tell her what to do, but he says he'll take care of everything. She insists on it, so he says she could touch him. She rubs his neck and shoulders and then moves lower. He flinches and tells her not there yet. He asks for her permission and then rubs his hand down her thigh and between her legs. They kiss as he works. He stops and she asks why. He just asks if she's ready. She asks if there's more and he nods. He warns her it may hurt, but it should only be the first time. As he pushes into her, she gasps in pain. Then she starts to enjoy herself and tells him she's all right. They continue until climax. Then he asks if it was all right. She tells him it was perfect and asks if they can do it again. He says to give him five minutes or maybe ten.

Kate and Anthony lie in bed. Anthony kisses Kate's abdomen. After a few more kisses, Kate says they can't because Newton is watching. Kate wants it noted that she was right about it not being the right time to tell the family their news, with Colin's engagement and Francesca's courtship. Violet has her hands full. They can keep their secret a little longer. Anthony asks if that's the only reason and asks if she's happy. She says she's very happy and very busy. She gets up and says she has to throw the best betrothal party anyone has ever seen before they nominate someone else as viscountess.

Francesca tells John she's been playing pianoforte since she was five, even though her fingers were too small to reach all the keys. Daphne had just begun her lessons and Francesca begged to join. She'd wake up at six on those days to practice. John says he'd rather wake up to her playing than his valet. Francesca says her family didn't agree. Anthony once hid her stool for an entire week. She's certain that's why he moved to a bachelor's apartment. John asks Francesca about Anthony being home. Francesca says he is, along with her new sister. They're perfect together, almost nauseatingly so. John asks if she'd be opposed to a marriage for herself. Francesca says no, she wishes to be married. She just hopes her husband won't hide her stool. John says he wouldn't dream of it.

Kate talks to Mrs. Wilson and two maids, planning the party. She asks for extra cinnamon biscuits as they're Gregory's favorite. When she sees Eloise sitting in the room, she dismisses them and goes to her. Eloise compliments Kate's party planning. Kate would rather be out riding. Kate asks if she's thinking about Penelope and she says yes, she's not surprised Penelope kept a secret from her. It's not the first time she has, but Colin hasn't. And she's facing the fact that everyone eventually pairs off. She would also be out riding, except not actually riding because she doesn't care for horses. Kate tells her family is everything, so she must tell Colin how she feels. There's no better feeling than the truth. Eloise informs Kate that Gregory hates cinnamon biscuits since Benedict dared him to eat an entire plate and he threw up. Now he likes fruit jellies.

Mrs. Varley finds Portia looking at herself in the mirror and asks if she's all right. Portia reflects on Colin's words about her concern with her standing, as if it's wrong to protect the family's place in society. She had no way to know it was a love match between them. It's uncommon for any of them. Mrs. Varley says Penelope will understand that her mother was only trying to protect her, She suggests telling Penelope and Colin that. She also says a connection to the Bridgertons wouldn't hurt them at the moment and delivers a message from Dundas. He wants to see her again.

Colin and Penelope cuddle on the couch. Penelope asks if she looks like a mess. He says she does, but she's his mess. She asks if she was all right for him as she knows he's more experienced. He says nothing compares to this. She asks if she can read more of his writing as he promised. He says he doesn't like to break a promise. Penelope has something to tell Colin, but they're interrupted by a knock on the door. Colin says it must be the servants bringing his things. He gets dressed and says no one will see them if they take his carriage across the park.

Queen Charlotte welcomes Lady Danbury into the room and tells her to enjoy the momentous day. Lady Danbury asks what they're celebrating and the queen says the demise of Lady Whistledown. Her newest issue reeks of weakness. She doesn't antagonize or gloat, so now is the time to strike. Lady Danbury asks what her plan is. The queen says it's done. Her royal messengers are marching through the streets as they speak. They're going to have so much fun.

Colin and Penelope ride in a carriage and see the royal messengers handing out memos. A messenger stops the carriage and gives them one as well. Colin reads it and they learn that Queen Charlotte is offering a monetary reward for the identity of Lady Whistledown. Colin is happy that Lady Whistledown will finally face consequences. He's sure someone will root her out. Colin asks Penelope what she was going to tell him. She says it's not important now.

Eloise sits down with Colin. He apologizes for not telling her soon about his feelings for Penelope. She gets up and says he went behind her back even knowing they were fighting. He says he's sorry, but he loves Penelope. Eloise loved her, too. They were inseparable. He remembers the day they moved in and how Eloise talked about Penelope non-stop from then on. Eloise recalls being devastated that she and Penelope couldn't take fencing lessons. Colin says Penelope will be her sister soon. That was once her greatest dream. He'd love to have Eloise's blessing and knows Penelope would, too. He has a gift for her. He shows her the queen's offer.

Cressida looks at the queen's memo under the table as Lady Cowper talks to Lord Greer about the marriage arrangement. Lord Greer wants them to be pillars of society. Cressida will reflect him. She'll wear somber clothing, in gray or brown, and she won't engage in gossip within the ton. They'll attend no more than one ball per month and only for hosts with strong moral character. He doesn't believe in music and finds modern art scandalous. Her eyes and ears will never be exposed to that filth. Lady Cowper says that sounds delightful and pressures Cressida to agree. Cressida just nods. Lord Greer still expects babies. He loves children and would be happy with four or five. Cressida looks back down at the queen's message.

Philippa suggests checking the parish registry for Lady Whistledown's name. Prudence is bewildered that she thinks it'll be that easy. Penelope comes in, saying she won't be discovered at all because she's too good at hiding herself. Prudence asks Penelope how she secured Colin, implying she must have found a spell in one of her books. Portia comes in and tells them off for teasing Penelope, despite her own actions. With all the news lately, they've forgotten themselves, so she'll remind them that the Featheringtons support one another. Penelope asks if that's what Portia was doing, supporting her. Portia admits to being unkind, but says it stops now. They have an engagement party coming to allow for a fresh start. She and Penelope will attend it alone. It'll give Prudence and Philippa time to think about how to change their behavior toward their sister. Penelope excuses herself to go read.

Penelope writes the next Whistledown column, calling out Portia for wanting to attach herself to the Bridgertons and the queen for continuing her hunt for Whistledown. She says that secret can't be rushed.

Nicky displays what he's learned about table settings. His governess tells Alice he has learned quickly. Alice says he gets his quick mind from her and looks to Will to agree, only to find Will lost in a ledger. She sits down with him and asks how it is. He says they're emptier than they should be. She wants him to take some time off, but he doesn't think he can. She insists on it. His ledgers won't miss him, but his family will. He closes the ledger and looks at Nicky.

At the party, Benedict tells Kate she outdid herself. Gregory and Hyacinth join them. Gregory is wearing a top hat, saying he'll be an Eton man soon and needs to present himself as one. Hyacinth teases him about the hat as Kate says he must greet their guests as a man of the house. They welcome the Mondrich family, including Nicky. Gregory offers to show him his new bow and arrow. Alice and Will nod, so Nicky goes with him.

Portia and Penelope enter the party. Portia finds the decorations drab. Colin greets his bride-to-be and Portia apologizes to him for her comments, asking if they can put them in the past. Tonight, they're celebrating their future. Colin says he'd be happy to do that. Portia excuses herself, saying she needs to compliment Violet on the decorating and get a drink. Colin and Penelope spot Eloise and Cressida and Colin says Cressida invited himself and he wasn't sure what to do. Penelope says it's okay and Colin agrees that he likes the idea of her watching Penelope triumph.

Watching the party from above, Lady Danbury tells Violet that anyone who questions their match is a fool. All Penelope had to do to get him was to be herself. Marcus approaches. Lady Danbury didn't realize he was coming. Violet says they ran into each other while promenading and she invited him. Lady Danbury toasts to the happy couple.

Cressida tells Eloise that Lord Greer is horrible. She's trying to find a way to circumvent his proposal and wants Eloise's help. Eloise says she'll help, but excuses herself and walks away.

Eloise goes to Penelope and says either her brother is the most understanding person in the world or Penelope hasn't told him. Penelope says she's waiting for the right time. Eloise says that the queen's reward all but guarantees the secret will come out. And when it does, Colin will know Eloise kept it from him as well. If Penelope finds she can't tell the truth, Eloise will do it for her. She has until midnight to decide. Eloise walks away as Colin brings Penelope a drink. He asks her if everything is all right. She nods and looks over at a clock, which reads 8:07.

Kate greets Tilley and Benedict and Benedict introduces the two of them. Tilley compliments the party, earning Kate's approval.

Francesca introduces John to Anthony, who is with Violet, Lady Danbury, and Marcus. Francesca wants John to tell the story about the boots. John starts to tell it, but can't find the words. Francesca suggests they go get a refreshment. After they've walked away, Violet asks Lady Danbury what she thinks. Lady Danbury says they're very similar. Violet wonders if she doesn't think Francesca could use someone to bring her out of her shell, plus the queen is opposed. Lady Danbury thinks that's what inspired her to offer the reward. Anthony suggests taking a direct approach instead. Violet spots Portia nearby and goes to her.

Colin calls everyone's attention to him and tells the story of falling off a horse and meeting Penelope. He's grateful that it happened and looks forward to their life together, to knowing each other fully and not taking anything for granted. Eloise calls attention to herself and toasts to them truly knowing each other, giving Penelope a pointed look. Penelope looks at the clock, which reads 9:32. Next, Portia says she's proud of Penelope and toasts to the match of the season. Kate proposes dessert and charades in the drawing room.

Anthony explains the game, saying the person who guesses correctly gets the next turn. They'll continue swapping around the room until the intellectual genius of the room reveals himself or herself. Kate nominates Penelope to go first. Penelope reads the first puzzle and everyone starts guessing. After a few seconds, Eloise gives the correct answer. Eloise reads the next puzzle. Penelope gets that one and reads the next puzzle. Eloise gets it. Tilley wonders if the rest of them are meant to play as well. Benedict says there's a history between Penelope and Eloise and Colin hopes this will finally settle it.

Hyacinth and Gregory set up a chess board and Will tells Alice it appears that Nicky is about to learn to play chess. Alice says Daisy finally mounted a horse. She got a look in her eye, her fear subsided, and she did it. Alice wished Will had been there to see it.

Finally, Will has given a correct answer. He reads the puzzle and Portia gives a correct answer. As Portia gets up to read the next puzzle, Eloise and Cressida get up and move away from the group.

Cressida asks if Eloise wants to hear her plan to avoid marrying Lord Greer. Cressida plans to take a flat in Vienna and live off the reward money from identifying Lady Whistledown. Cressida doesn't believe Elosie cares that she's being forced to marry a man three times her age. Eloise says she cares and she'd shout at Cressida's parents if she thought it would help, but she doesn't think Cressida will be able to identify Lady Whistledown. Cressida believes Eloise is insulting her intelligence and insists she'll find a way to claim the reward.

John and Francesca approach Kate, Anthony, and Violet. John is finally prepared to share the story of the muddy boots. A steak of mud found its way into his home and they chased it round the house. The servants cleaned and more spots appeared. Finally, John discovered the mud was on his own boots. Sometimes, he misses what's right in front of him, but not Francesca. He saw her right away. Violet says that's quite a story.

Benedict reads the next puzzle. Tilley guesses "nameless" and Colin says that's what Lady Whistledown won't be for much longer. Penelope looks at the clock and sees that it's 11:10. Penelope wonders who would pursue such a trivial matter as Lady Whistledown's identity. It feels vulgar. Benedict thinks Whistledown is the vulgar one. As Cressida tries to speak, Alice says if she's unmasked, it'll ruin her family. Colin adds it would ruin any hope of marriage. The clock now reads 11:47 and Penelope excuses herself from the room. Colin follows her.

Kate tells Anthony they should tell their family tonight. She wanted to wait, but they're at their happiest right now. She wishes it could just be the two of them for a little longer. Anthony says it's a big change, but they'll make their way with their child as they've always done. They kiss.

Penelope enters an empty room and closes the door.

Marcus doesn't think the reward will be enough for Lady Whistledown to come forward. Portia agrees. Alice says they saw three ladies chasing after the delivery boys that morning. Will thinks she would hate to be unmasked, but Portia thinks she might love it. She'd get power and infamy as well as the freedom to do whatever she wants, not to mention the money. Cressida listens and is intrigued by that.

Colin goes after Penelope, but doesn't find her.

Portia adds that she wouldn't have to marry. Marcus says she might find herself living a finer life than any of them. Alice thinks the secret must burn away at her.

Colin searches for Penelope.

Penelope makes her way back to the party.

Will says he couldn't keep the secret for more than an hour. Marcus agrees.

As Penelope re-enters the room, the clock nears midnight. Colin goes to Penelope and says he was looking for her. She says she needed a moment. He knows something is bothering her. The clock strikes midnight and Colin says he would understand if she just got swept up in the carriage and has reconsidered. Penelope says she needs to tell Colin something. Just then, Eloise approaches and tells Colin she needs to tell him something. Colin sees Penelope's distress and sends Eloise to get a servant to fetch a cool towel.

Anthony and Kate tell Violet and Lady Danbury their news and they celebrate.

As Anthony and Kate try to tell the whole party, Cressida suddenly declares she has an announcement. She stands and tells everyone she's Lady Whistledown and, as Portia pointed out, she can do whatever she wants. Penelope starts to hyperventilate and then passes out in Colin's arms. Everyone runs to her aid.

Cast[]

Main Cast[]

Guest Stars[]

Music[]

Song Performer Scene
“POV” Strings From Paris (originally by Ariana Grande)
  • Colin undresses himself in front of Penelope, then joins her on the couch. They begin to touch, eventually making love.
"Cavendish Fanfares No. 6" 5 Alarm
"Dissonance" String Quartet No. 19 in C Major K.465- III. Menuetto (Excerpt) (a)" APM
"String Quartet No. 1 in G Major, KV. 80/73sf: III. Menuetto" APM
"Palm Quart 2" 5 Alarm

Notes and Trivia[]

  • While filming the intimate mirror scene, Nicola and Luke were really into the moment when the chaise lounge suddenly broke and collapsed onto the floor. They could have played it off and continued filming, but Nicola broke character by saying, "Luke, we broke the sofa" in her Irish accent, which made Luke laugh.[1]
    • The sound of Luke and Nicola laughing after breaking character made it into the final cut, because laughter was in the script.[2]
    • Nicola needed two wigs for the scene, because they would get messed up too much while filming.[2]
  • The macaron tower in the engagement ball features the Bridgerton special edition macarons created by Ladurée as part of the marketing promotion.[3]

Gallery[]

Episode Stills[]

Behind the Scenes[]

Quotes[]

Colin Bridgerton: Hyacinth, I do not think Penelope can breathe.
Eloise Bridgerton: For how long has this been going on?
Penelope Featherington: It's very new. I'm just as surprised as you are.
Eloise Bridgerton: For how long have you had feelings for him?
Kate Bridgerton: Anthony, we cannot.
Anthony Bridgerton: Why not?
Kate Bridgerton: Because Newton is watching.
Colin Bridgerton: Your daughter did not entrap me. I proposed to her out of love, nothing less. And were you not so narrowly concerned over your own standing, you might see that Penelope is the most eligible amongst you. In the future, I advise you not to sully our Bridgerton name by suggesting otherwise.
Colin Bridgerton: My feelings for Penelope are not a thunderbolt from the sky. I have known her a very long time, and perhaps I have always felt something for her. My only foolishness this time was not realizing it sooner.
Colin Bridgerton: It did all happen rather swiftly.
Anthony Bridgerton: Ah, it's swift because you...
Benedict Bridgerton: Are you going to duel with your own brother, or...
Colin Bridgerton: You... are the cleverest, bravest woman I have ever known. You make me feel seen in ways I have never felt seen before. And then there is...the way your hair cascades down your shoulder. The way your eyes shine when you look at me, like two blue pools. The firmness of your lips parted just so. The softness of your skin.

See Also[]

A complete overview of this episode's crew can be found here.


References

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